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By Salihu Ndahi, Maiduguri
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, has applauded the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for introducing the Agri360 mechanization training initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian agriculture and the empowerment of women and youth.
The First Lady spoke on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at the National Colloquium on the Role of Women and Youth in the Advancement of Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria and the Agri360 Mechanization Training Initiative Unveiling, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the initiative will strengthen the capacities of five thousand (5,000) women and youths in agricultural mechanization, digital farming, equipment operation and maintenance, entrepreneurship and agribusiness management.
This was revealed by Mrs. Kwapchi Bata Hamman (JP), Special Assistant on Media and ICT Office to the Vice President on Wednesday.
The First Lady said the initiative is particularly significant because the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector depends largely on empowering the country’s vibrant youth and enterprising women with the skills, tools and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in modern agriculture.
According to her, “agricultural mechanization would improve traditional farming methods by increasing productivity, reducing the physical burden associated with farming and making farming more attractive to young Nigerians.”
He further noted that mechanization would create opportunities beyond agriculture itself, including equipment operation and maintenance, agricultural processing, logistics, technology and other areas along the agricultural value chain.
The First Lady noted that young Nigerians are already redefining the agricultural landscape through the adoption of digital technologies, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, drones and other innovative approaches.
He said: “They no longer see farming as subsistence; they see it as a huge opportunity, a business and a career path to prosperity.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for women in agriculture, noting that when women gain the skills and resources to earn incomes and grow their businesses, the benefits extend beyond them to their families and communities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said mechanization provides modern agricultural machinery and agricultural equipment that facilitates production and reduces the physical force associated with farming, and the Agri360 initiative targets the process from land preparation to value addition by ensuring farmers have access to water and machinery.
The minister highlighted that there is a shift from dialogue to action with agriculture as a life-changing economic enterprise for farmers in Nigeria, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which identifies agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security and job creation.
Captain Tractors India, one of the partners of the initiative with 32 years of experience in mini and small tractors present in 90 countries, said under Agri360 the company is deploying 50 tractors in each state of the country and will train and monitor farmers in modern agriculture. The company will also train youth in engineering and mechanics to operate the equipment.
Mr Sunish Kshitijbhai, Director and Co-Owner of the company, disclosed that Captain Tractors has customized the mini tractors coming to Nigeria as “MANOMA”.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Engineer Patricia Stan-Dioka of Mela-Chiyoma Pat Limited, one of the partners of the initiative, the Governors of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos as well as other stakeholders.
The National Colloquium highlights the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy, while identifying low mechanization, limited access to finance, inadequate skills and infrastructure, and the exclusion of women and youth as major barriers to agricultural productivity. It highlights that greater access to mechanization can reduce drudgery, create jobs, attract young people to agriculture, empower women and improve food security.
In this context, the National Colloquium on the role of women and youth in agricultural mechanization is proposed to promote inclusive participation, share experiences and unveil the Agri360 mechanization training initiative to develop the capacity of women and youth for sustainable agricultural development.
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